Lupin and Takeda to Market Vonoprazan in India

Lupin, a leading pharmaceutical company, has entered a non-exclusive patent license agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical to commercialize Vonoprazan tablets in India. This medication will be marketed under the brand name Lupin’s Lupivon and will be available in 10mg and 20mg doses.

Vonoprazan is a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) that stands out from traditional acid suppressants such as proton pump inhibitors. The drug offers rapid and comprehensive proton pump inhibition from the initial dose and maintains its effect for a longer duration, providing effective control over nocturnal acid breakthrough. Notably, it can be taken regardless of meal times.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Vonoprazan for treating various gastrointestinal conditions, including gastric ulcers, reflux esophagitis, duodenal ulcers, and as part of a regimen for eradicating Helicobacter pylori.

This agreement marks a significant step for Lupin as it aims to broaden its gastroenterology portfolio in the Indian market. Acid peptic disorders (APD) are notably prevalent in India, affecting a substantial portion of the population. APDs include conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). GERD prevalence in India ranges from 5% to 28.5%, while PUD impacts about 8% of the population. Key risk factors for GERD include older age, higher body mass index (BMI), non-vegetarian diets, the consumption of tea or coffee, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol intake.

Rajeev Sibal, President of Lupin India Region Formulations, expressed his satisfaction with the new development: “We are very pleased to commercialize Vonoprazan, a novel treatment option for acid peptic disorders. This is a further step in strengthening our gastroenterology portfolio and is in line with our commitment to introduce innovative medicines to address the unmet needs of our patients.”

In addition to its recent ventures in gastroenterology, Lupin has been active in other therapeutic areas as well. In November 2023, the company launched Vilfuro-G, a fixed-dose triple combination (FDC) drug designed to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in India. This reflects Lupin’s ongoing commitment to bringing innovative treatments to market, catering to a wide range of medical needs.

By offering Vonoprazan, Lupin is set to provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from acid peptic disorders in India. This move is anticipated to significantly impact the management of these conditions, providing relief and improving the quality of life for many patients.